 |
Photo = Samsung Electronics |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] According to Reuters, on the 28th (local time), Margrethe Vestager, the EU's Competition Commissioner, stated at a conference that the EU had sent an information request to better understand the impact of Google's agreement to pre-install its small AI model, Gemini Nano, on certain Samsung devices. The investigation aims to determine if Google's pre-installation of Gemini Nano on Samsung devices is blocking access for other AI developers.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 in January, incorporating various on-device AI features branded as "Galaxy AI." This includes AI developed by Samsung and Google's AI, Gemini, integrated with the Android operating system.
However, given the symbiotic relationship between Samsung and Google in the smartphone market, it may be difficult for the EU to force the removal of Gemini from Galaxy AI. With Apple entering the AI phone competition with "Apple Intelligence," restricting Gemini's inclusion in Android smartphones could further Apple's dominance. For Samsung, this would mean a significant burden as it would have to develop generative AI in-house, which it currently outsources to Google. Even if the investigation proceeds, it is likely that Google, not Samsung, will be the target of any EU sanctions. Samsung is not subject to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations. Samsung has stated that it has no official position on the matter at this time.
The EU's investigation into AI monopolization began with Microsoft and OpenAI. Microsoft, being the largest investor in OpenAI, has maintained a close partnership with the company.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
